CSK eyeing Sanju Samson trade as IPL off-season heats up
Chennai Super Kings are reportedly interested in trading for Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026. With the trading window open, here's what we know about the potential high-profile move.

In what could turn out to be one of the most high-profile transfers in recent IPL history, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have shown clear interest in acquiring Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson. The buzz had been growing steadily on social media, but now it carries serious weight following confirmation from a senior CSK official, who told Cricbuzz that the franchise is “definitely looking at Sanju.”
The CSK official acknowledged that while there has been no formal approach made to the Royals, Samson’s qualities as a top-order batter, wicketkeeper, and an experienced Indian player make him an attractive proposition. “He is an Indian batter who is a keeper and an opener. So if he is available, we will certainly have a look at the option of having him in our fold,” the official stated, adding that any discussion around a trade counterpart was premature.
Strategic Fit and Potential Trade Conundrum
Samson, who has been part of the Royals' setup for over a decade and was their first retention at a premium price of ₹18 crore, would be a major acquisition for CSK. The five-time champions, now led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, may have to make a significant offer in return if a trade is to be realized. With head coach Stephen Fleming openly supporting his leadership, Gaikwad himself has the same retention value and is still selected as CSK's long-term captain.
Gaikwad's status and CSK's investment in his captaincy make a direct trade seem unlikely, but the team would still need to provide a desirable player or package in return. Historically, CSK has rarely indulged in trades, the last notable instance being the acquisition of Robin Uthappa from RR ahead of the 2021 season.
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Royals’ Position: Open to Offers, But Cautious
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals completed a review of their underwhelming 2025 campaign, where they finished ninth during a recent meeting in London. New head coach Rahul Dravid was also in attendance. The franchise reportedly discussed trade inquiries not just for Samson but for up to six of their players.
A Royals source told PTI, “There have been multiple approaches by multiple franchises for about six of our players. Similarly, we have approached multiple franchises for multiple options.” However, no formal communication has been acknowledged, and lead owner Manoj Badale is expected to take the final call.
With Indian keeper-batters being one of the most sought-after assets in IPL squads, RR are sitting on a goldmine in the form of Samson and Dhruv Jurel, who also showed promise during the season. Any trade involving Samson will likely require a near-equal or greater value in return.
The Trade Window and Rules
The IPL's official trade window opened at 9:00 am IST on June 10, 2025, and will remain open until seven days before the 2026 auction. Trade negotiations must comply with several rules laid down by the BCCI:
- Players cannot be traded in the season immediately after being bought in an auction.
- A traded player may only be traded once per season.
- Trades involving overseas players require NOCs from relevant cricket boards.
- League fees are central to the trade, but player contracts cannot be altered beyond negotiated fee adjustments, which require BCCI approval.
- If a "negotiated increase" or "decrease" in league fees is reached, the purchasing and selling teams are required to split the associated costs.
Since the trading window is still open and franchises are actively seeking opportunities, everyone will be watching to see if CSK formally expresses interest in Samson. Given the complexity of the move and the player's stature, any possible trade would necessitate patience, cautious negotiation, and strategic foresight. Although it is still in the early phases of development, the potential Sanju Samson transfer to CSK has all the makings of one of the most intriguing offseason IPL moves.
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